Wednesday, 5 February 2025

 Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:59): Firstly, of course, happy new year to everyone in the chamber. Yesterday was my first day back, but today is the first day I get to make a contribution, so happy new year. I know it is February, but here we are. I enjoyed a very busy weekend last weekend. Firstly, I attended the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse Lunar New Year festival at Box Hill. It was a very well attended festival, and whilst it was a marvellous celebration welcoming in the Year of the Wood Snake with spectacular lion dancing, it was also a great celebration of our cultural diversity not only in Box Hill but throughout the state of Victoria. I wish to pass on my congratulations to the fantastic Asian Business Association of Whitehorse and to president Bihong Wang and her incredible team for pulling together such a great celebration. In Victoria we know that China is one of our most important trading partners, a trade relationship that is valued by the Allan Labor government. I wish all my constituents in my region a very happy Lunar New Year. Xīn nián kuài lè. Gōng xǐ fā cái.